Reunion revelry

BY LAUREL MYERS

A century-old rivalry between two Sudbury schools was reignited this past weekend at the Sudbury Secondary School 100-year reunion.

The battle between Sheridan Technical School and Sudbury High School (the two were amalgamated to Sudbury Secondary in 1974) was as evident as ever at the Reunion Athletic Breakfast held at the Idylwylde Golf and Country Club Friday morning, as cheerleaders of the past gathered at the stage - automatically splitting into two groups - and bellowed out their school's song.

"In the 50s, 60s and 70s, there was an intense rivalry," said Diane Ikonen, a past Sudbury High cheerleader. "In those days, we identified with our school. You wanted your school to be the best.

Ikonen, who has since retired as a teacher, was also a part of the committee responsible for organizing the 100th reunion. She said it was important to the committee to make the reunion into an ongoing legacy.

"We want to support Sudbury Secondary School. We want those kids there to have a connection with their past and look at us as resource people and mentors," she said, adding the money earned from the weekend will be put toward the school.

A number of current students participated in the reunion breakfast as part of a fashion show, modeling the various sports uniforms and cheerleading outfits from the different eras.

"Having them there was so special for us, to know that we're connected with them," Ikonen said. "I have the double dimension of  seeing students, as well as people I went to school with.

"It's a real privilege to meet these great kids that were involved in sports and activities, and get to be friends with them once they graduate."